A PARAGLIDER was airlifted to hospital with spinal injuries after a horrific fall on Pendle Hill.

Timothy Wright, aged 31, of Marlfield Close, Ingol, Preston, also suffered chest, wrist and groin injuries in the accident last Sunday afternoon (December 14).

Paramedics arrived at the bottom of the hill and one started the trek to the top with medical equipment, but the rescue turned into a race against time.

Sergeant John Kirkwood of Lancashire's Air Support Unit said: "Darkness was closing in, it was very cold and the man was suffering the beginnings of hypothermia so we took him to hospital."

Mr Wright was taken to Royal Preston Hospital and has since been moved from intensive care to the high dependency unit where his condition is comfortable.

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